A bid to turn a former cottage and garden into two new four bedroom homes in a coastal village has been given the go ahead despite community concern.
Edinburgh-based B&Y Developments applied for planning permission to demolish the cottage in Longniddry, East Lothian, to make room for the new housing claiming there was a “significant increase in demand for family housing due to its growing population and appeal as a desirable community”.
However Longniddry Community Council objected to the proposals pointing out a new housing estate on the edge of the village was already addressing any shortage in local accommodation.
It told planners: “There are around 500 houses presently being built in Longniddry.”
At a meeting of East Lothian Council’s planning committee this week elected members backed the housing plan for the former cottage, known as Davanmore, on Gosford Road.
The application received five letters of objection from members of the public who also claimed the large housing estate currently being developed on the edge of the village meets any local demand along with being out of character.
Objector Charles Simpson told the committee he was ‘shocked’ by the proposal to replace a cottage with two large houses.
He said: “To think this garden space is to be paved over and built on is an environmental shame.”
He also raised concern over the increase in traffic the new homes would bring to an increasingly busy street.
However planning officers recommended the plans for approval saying they fitted in with the surrounding residential landscape, which is not part of the designated village conservation area.
Local ward councillor Colin Yorkston said he agreed with officers that the site was large enough for the two new homes and would be supporting their recommendations.
Fellow councillor Neil Gilbert added he believed there was enough parking accommodation within the site to avoid any impact on the street.
And Provost John McMillan said he believed the new housing would add to the local community.
Planning convenor Norman Hampshire also supported the application saying: “We have a large site with one small cottage with two bedrooms, We are now going to have two family homes with four bedrooms on that same site.
“We get criticised as a council for using up countryside land for development of housing, This is actually containing housing and maximising the amount of property you can get on a site within a town.”
The proposals were unanimously supported.
By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency. It is funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector (in Edinburgh that is Reach plc (the publisher behind Edinburgh Live and The Daily Record) and used by many qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover news about top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.
